Smith dumping saddens Bulls coach

Thibodeau praises former Bears counterpart but acknowledges 'unfortunate part of business'

December 31, 2012|By Dave van Dyck, Chicago Tribune reporter

During his stay in Chicago, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has watched the Cubs go through a pair of managers and the White Sox change skippers. And now he moves up the tenure rung one notch with the Bears' firing of coach Lovie Smith.

"It's pro sports. It's unfortunate," Thibodeau said. "Lovie has proven to be a tremendous coach and he seems like a great guy. You hate to see anyone lose their job. But that's the nature of the beast, I guess.

"I didn't (know Smith), but I've watched him from afar and I think he's a great coach. I'm saddened to hear it. He had a great run. You know, 10-6, I thought they got the most out of the team.

"It's the unfortunate part of the business. You hate to see it."

Sick bay report:Kirk Hinrich was a late scratch Monday, while Joakim Noah played in Monday's 91-81 loss to the Bobcats despite reporting with flu-like symptoms.

"I don't know exactly what it was, but he was under the weather," Thibodeau said. "But he gave us what he had."

Noah played more than 30 minutes but scored only two points and was credited with just four rebounds.

Meanwhile, Hinrich continues to be bothered by what Thibodeau described as "a compilation of things," although his left knee appears to be most bothersome.

"He tried to warm up and he's not quite ready," Thibodeau said. "Hopefully he'll be ready" for the Magic on Wednesday.

Robinson's guarantee date is nine days earlier than the league's. His contract was structured as such in part to make it attractive as a piece in an early-season trade because he could be waived.

The Bulls recognize his scoring prowess and ability to create his own shot on a roster lacking in both areas.

Layups: The 31 fouls for the Bulls was a season high. … Carlos Boozer notched his 15th double-double of the season with 19 points and 14 rebounds. … The Bobcats avoided going winless in December with Monday's victory. The last team to so for an entire month? Charlotte in April 2012.